next up previous index
Next: Output Redirection Up: Advanced VISTA Command Syntax Previous: Advanced VISTA Command Syntax   Index

Abbreviating VISTA Commands

You do not need to type the full command name to execute a command - all that is needed is the shortest unambiguous string which defines a command. For example, the command FITSTAR can be executed with FITSTAR, FITSTA, FITST, ... etc. If it turns out that more than one command begins with the command that you type, all those commands will be listed, and none executed.

The question mark command can be used to list those commands which begin with a certain pattern. Type '?' followed by the pattern you are examining. There should be no spaces between the ? and the pattern. Examples:


\begin{example}
\item[?A\hfill]{List all commands beginning with A}
\item[?MA\hfill]{List all commands beginning with MA}
\end{example}

Keywords and command arguments CANNOT be abbreviated.

The ? operator may also be used as an abbreviation for the HELP command. To receive help on a given topic, type ?, followed by a space, followed by the topic about which you wan help. Some examples:


\begin{example}
\item[? MASH\hfill]{Print help on the command MASH}
\item[? HE...
...int help on the command HELP}
\item[?\hfill]{Help on everything.}
\end{example}



Jon Holtzman 2002-02-13